Bentley, 106 Years of Very Highs and Dizzily Low Lows
- Published on 18/01/2026 13:12
Bentley celebrates over a century of automotive excellence, blending sports heritage, artisanal luxury, and contemporary challenges.
January 18, 1919 marks a major turning point in the history of British automobiles. On this day, Walter Owen Bentley officially registers Bentley Motors Limited in London. A former aeronautical engineer, W.O. aspired to build fast, robust cars capable of enduring the most severe mechanical stresses. A vision that would enduringly shape the brand’s DNA.
From the early 1920s, Bentley establishes itself on the racetracks. The Bentley 3 Litre, the brand’s first car, combines performance and reliability. Between 1924 and 1930, Bentley wins five victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by the famous Bentley Boys. These successes forge a unique reputation: that of a manufacturer capable of blending endurance, power, and elegance.
Very Highs and Vertiginous Lows
The 1930s usher in a new era. After financial difficulties, Bentley is acquired by Rolls-Royce in 1931. The brand evolves toward a more luxurious positioning, while still respecting its sporting roots. This duality between performance and refinement becomes its signature, evident in iconic models like the R-Type Continental and, later, the Continental GT.
Since its integration into the Volkswagen group in 1998, the manufacturer has undergone a profound industrial renaissance. Massive investments modernize the production tool in Crewe, while preserving a high level of craftsmanship. Noble woods, hand-stitched leathers, and extreme customization remain at the heart of the experience as the brand opens up to a global clientele.
Today, Bentley celebrates its anniversary in a context of transition. The manufacturer has announced the gradual phasing out of purely thermal engines in favor of an electrified range, followed by 100% electric options in the next decade. A major strategic shift, but faithful to the spirit of W.O. Bentley: to innovate without compromising on mechanical excellence.
You might be interestedin this article:
More than a hundred years after its founding, Bentley remains one of the few manufacturers to consistently embody the connection between sports heritage, automotive luxury, and industrial vision.
READ ALSO: Supersports: the ultimate Bentley?
This page is translated from the original post "Bentley, 106 ans de très hauts et de vertigineux bas" in French.
We also suggestthese articles:
Also read
